Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann arrested for DUI, BAC twice over legal limit

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann has been arrested for driving under the influence.

Heitmann had only recently won her second and final term in March.

The Naples Police Department confirmed the DUI that occurred at around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday.

“Yes, unfortunately, that is accurate,” said Naples Police Chief Ciro Dominguez, confirming the charge against the mayor via email Thursday morning. “The details on the booking info/sheet explain the fact pattern.”

According to police, officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of 16th Avenue South upon receiving a call for service from the resident.

The caller stated that he and his wife were being followed from the intersection of 12th Avenue South and Third Street South to their residence by a female, unknown to them, driving a silver vehicle.

Upon arrival at their home, the woman stopped her vehicle on the grass, exited the vehicle, and exchanged words with the couple.

The couple then reported the incident to the police, stating that the woman was claiming to be the mayor and appeared intoxicated.

Upon arrival at the scene, police identified Heitmann leaning against her vehicle.

“We were called to a scene where she was in physical control of the vehicle and later determined that she was under the influence based on the circumstances,” wrote the police chief.

Upon interviewing Heitmann, officers found probable cause to arrest her for DUI.

According to police, Heitmann participated in a breathalyzer exam, which resulted in a blood alcohol content of 0.155 and 0.169, twice the legal limit.

After following the standard procedure for testing motorists for suspected DUI, police arrested Heitmann and transported her to the Collier County Jail.

“We are sworn & obligated to follow the law,“ stated Dominguez.

WINK News spoke with former Naples Mayor and Councilman Bill Barnett about Heitmann’s arrest and whether she should resign.

Note: Barnett admitted that he and Heitmann have disagreed and clashed on the council.

“I don’t want to go that far. I think that’s up to her to decide what she does, how serious she thinks it is, or whether she will blow it off,” said Barnett. “I don’t know if it’s one too many or if– I don’t know the details. I know that prior mayors, not in Naples, but you know you’ve seen mayors across the state, and people, the voting public, are not happy when something like this happens. She’s the number one person in the city and sets the example or is supposed to set the example.”

Heitmann was given a $500 bond. She has since bonded out and was released.

WINK News initially reported a child was present in the vehicle, based on the police report; however, the Naples Police Chief clarified the initial statement, stating that the statute is written in the charge.

The statute police arrested her for only focused on blood alcohol level.

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WINK received statements from a few Naples city council members after the arrest.

City Manager Jay Boodheshwar said, “City employees were saddened to learn about last night’s incident involving the mayor. We know this is a difficult time for Mayor Heitmann and will give her the space she needs. The Naples community should rest assured that our city team is committed and dedicated to serving our residents. I have 100% confidence that our City employees will not let this incident affect service delivery to our community.”

Ray Christman from the Naples City Council said, “I was sorry to hear about this incident. Most importantly, thank God no one was hurt or injured. We are all still learning the details of this matter. I’m confident it will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate actions taken. My thoughts and best wishes are with the Mayor and the others involved in this incident.”

Council member Bill Kramer said, “I believe it was sad news for all of the good people of Naples this morning. While this is certainly a big deal, it is not the end of the world. And to be clear, this event does not define Theresa Heitmann. The Heitmanns will continue to be in my prayers as they work through this.”

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We contacted the rest of the council and are still awaiting responses.